@Meant2B, FWIW, there are some decent concerts in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham is less than an hour away if concerts or other activities are desired. My son recently did a mascot gig at the Birmingham Barons game and I don’t think the drive was too terrible. Of course, you’ll need a car, but lots of kids have them even if yours doesn’t and there’s always Zip Car.
Surprised you didn’t get a free tee shirt. My son got one from Arts & Sciences after we met with them even though he told them he was pretty sure he’d be sticking with engineering! 
As far as travel goes, we just don’t do it a whole lot, but when we do, we spend the money for nonstop flights. Plenty others fly into Atlanta and drive from there. There are worse drives, I gather!